Florida is consistently ranked as one of the most challenging states for healthcare providers regarding professional liability. With high premiums and unique regulations like “Going Bare” and NICA, finding the right coverage requires expert navigation.
Whether you are a new resident in Miami or a practice administrator in Tampa, this guide covers everything you need to know about Florida Medical Malpractice Insurance for 2026.
Best Medical Malpractice Insurance Companies in Florida
Unlike some states dominated by a single carrier, Florida has a competitive mix of options. However, accessing the best rates requires the right leverage. At PLI Consultants, we recommend carriers with an A.M. Best Rating of “A-” (Excellent) or higher.
The top partners and carriers serving Florida physicians in 2026 include:
- PLI Consultants (Your Strategic Broker): We are not just an agent; we are your advocate. As Florida’s premier independent brokerage, we act as your single point of access to every carrier on this list. Instead of calling five different companies, one call to PLIC forces these carriers to compete for your business, ensuring you get the lowest possible rate.
- The Doctors Company (TDC): The largest physician-owned insurer in the nation, with a massive footprint in Florida.
- MagMutual: A leading mutual company known for returning profits to physicians through dividends and policyholder benefits.
- MedPro Group: A Berkshire Hathaway company (A++ rated) offering rock-solid financial stability and longevity.
- ProAssurance: A major player in the Southeast with flexible policy options tailored to complex risks.
Norcal: Now part of the ProAssurance family, continuing to serve Florida specialists with high-quality coverage.
Pro Tip: Florida also has a robust Excess & Surplus (E&S) lines market. If you have previous claims or a high-risk profile, PLI Consultants can access specialized E&S carriers to get you covered even when standard carriers decline.
Florida Malpractice Insurance Rates 2026
One of the most common questions we hear is: “How much is medical malpractice insurance cost in Florida?”
The answer depends heavily on your location. A surgeon in Miami-Dade or Broward County (Tier 1 risk) can pay 50% to 100% more than a colleague in the Panhandle or Central Florida.
The following estimates reflect mature claims-made premiums for standard $250,000 / $750,000 policy limits.
Estimated Medical Malpractice Insurance Cost in Florida (2026)
Note: These are market estimates. Your actual rate depends on your county, claims history, and discounts. Use our Malpractice Premium Calculator for a specific number.
Key Regulations: NICA & Going Bare
Florida has specific laws that every physician must understand to avoid fines or license suspension.
1. NICA Fees 2026
The Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) is a state fund that pays for the care of infants with specific birth-related neurological injuries.
- Participating Physicians (OB/GYNs): Must pay approximately $5,000 annually.
- Non-Participating Physicians: All other licensed physicians must pay a mandatory annual assessment of $250.
- Why it matters: Paying NICA fees is a requirement for license renewal unless you qualify for specific exemptions (e.g., military or government service).
2. Going Bare Florida Requirements
Florida Statute 458.320 allows physicians to practice without insurance, known as “Going Bare.” However, this does not mean you are free from financial responsibility. To comply, you must:
- Post a Sign: Display a notice in your reception area stating you do not carry malpractice insurance.
- Demonstrate Funds: Secure an irrevocable letter of credit or escrow account of **$100,000 per claim / $300,000 aggregate** ($250k/$750k for hospital staff privileges).
- The Risk: If you face a judgment and cannot pay, your medical license will be suspended immediately.
PLIC Advice: We strongly advise against going bare. The legal defense costs alone for a single frivolous claim can bankrupt a practice.
Malpractice Insurance for Physicians, Florida: Tail Coverage
Most Florida doctors are on Claims-Made policies. If you leave your practice, retire, or switch carriers, you must purchase tail coverage to protect against future claims from past patients.
You do not have to buy tail coverage from your current carrier.
PLI Consultants specializes in Stand-Alone Tail Coverage in Florida. By shopping the secondary market, we can often save physicians 10% to 35% compared to the renewal offer from their incumbent insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who offers the best medical malpractice insurance companies in Florida?
The “best” company depends on your specialty. For OB/GYNs, The Doctors Company (TDC) is a strong choice. For high-risk surgeons, E&S carriers accessed through PLI Consultants often provide the best stability.
- What are the Going Bare Florida requirements for 2026?
You must post a sign in your office and prove financial responsibility via a letter of credit or escrow account ($100k/$300k minimum).
- How can I lower my medical malpractice insurance cost in Florida?
You can lower costs by applying for “Risk Management” discounts, moving your practice to a lower-risk county, or using a broker like PLIC to bid your policy out to multiple carriers.
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